Kent Hovind The Real Reason he went to jail great 15 minutes
Here's another video you may find interesting...
Over the years my opinions have changed but this will never change: Jesus Christ, Lord, God and Savior, died on the cross and rose from the dead to pay for my sin.
Beware of Singer Amy Grant
Several years ago when I saw Amy Grant sing live, she never shared the Gospel message, so immediately a red flag went up in my mind.
Today, I just read she will be performing here in Panama City, Florida, on June 5, 2015 - a fundraiser for the local St. John Catholic School with tickets ranging from $28.50 to $58.50.
Oh brother.
Paying to hear supposed Christian music that supports a roman catholic school? I don't think so.
And that's not the half of it, folks - read on...
Amy Grant is a tremendous singer and I admire anyone who works hard to succeed in life. As a musician myself, I like many songs that Amy sings. She's definitely a gifted singer. I am not publishing this article to be unkind. I'm the biggest sinner I know (and so are you if you're right with God and realize just how sinful we all are). James 2:10 says to commit one sin is equivalent to breaking all of God's Commandments in the Lord's eyes. The only righteousness which I possess is the imputed righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Grant has changed over the years, singing about her imperfections and those who wrongly judge her. Certainly, no one has a right to condemn anyone, for the Law of God condemns all humanity (Romans 3:19). Whatever sins Amy Grant has are none of my business or anybody else's. We are all big sinners in one way or another. 1st John 1:8-10 calls anyone a liar who denies their sinfulness. The apostle Paul knew how sinful he still was as a Christian, constantly struggling between the flesh and the Spirit of God Who lives in every believer (Romans 7:14-25).
Having said that, I published this article to expose Amy Grant, not for her sins; but rather, for her ecumenical associations, open use of occult symbols in her albums, Hollywood fame, wearing pants and sensual clothing on stage, her lackadaisical attitude toward sharing the gospel to get people saved... all part of the Godless New World Order. I'm tired of women singers being immodest and vile on stage and then downplaying it as just marketing techniques. Miss "Jesus Take The Wheel" (Carrie Underwood) is numero uno whore-of-the-year! Remember, even the Devil appears as an angel of light (2nd Corinthians 11:13-15; Matthew 7:15). So it's not surprising that the most immoral, slutty-smutty and disgraceful of singers claim to know and love Jesus.
Amy Grant said in 1985 that she was dressing sexy to sell a record, and she certainly has sold many records. As of 2009, Grant remains the best-selling Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) singer ever, having sold over 30 million albums worldwide. Amy's on top of the world. She was honored with a star on Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2005 for her contributions to the entertainment industry.
Tragically, Amy Grant's music is so vague, wishy-washy, and doctrinally deficient that Roman Catholics support her. Amy Grant was interviewed[2] by Catholic.org (the world's largest Catholic network) on July 22, 2010 by Billy Atwell.
As a born-again believer who loves Jesus Christ, I am appalled that any professed Christian would remain totally silent about the evils of the damned Catholic religion, which is leading billions of people into the Lake of Fire. It doesn't require a degree in theology to know that Catholicism is of the Devil. Everything about Catholicism is a cruel hoax, intended to keep men blinded from the truth and lead them into Hell forever (2nd Corinthians 4:4). Religion wants to fit us with glasses; but the Lord wants to open our eyes. Have you believed a lie?
The Illuminati love to hide things in plain sight. As the saying goes, “You can't see the forest for the trees.” Symbolism and occult imagery are subconsciously perceived, but on a conscious level will not be seen. Amy Grant is no exception. Here's Amy Grant making her famous El Diablo hand sign on stage.
Be warned friend, the Devil is working relentlessly to corrupt what's left of family values and moral character in America. You're going to see satanism trying to creep it's way into our lives in every way possible. With Harry Potter, Devilish shows like Charmed and Witches, Country singers popularizing songs written by satanists, the Godless Public School System, multitudes of corrupted Bible versions, pagan holidays, Rock 'N' Roll music, Rap, Punk, Godless CCM music, false religions, sexually degenerate TV, apostasy in the church, abortion, adultery, homosexuality, and every other evil imaginable... how long can America last??? Even the New King James Bible has an occult symbol on the front cover.
Christianity is NOT religion, it is being born-again by the incorruptible Word of God. 1st Peter 1:23, “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” Amy Grant says she doesn't want to impose her religion on anyone, all she wants to do is sing and make lots of money. Although Amy made this statement over 25-years ago, she has lived up to her apostate statements throughout her career, never having shared the gospel truth with her fans. Amy admits that she doesn't have any answers, and still doesn't from reading her website, song lyrics and recent interviews; but the Bible certainly does have the answers, which is why Jesus told us to SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES in John 5:39.
Amy Grant doesn't want the answers which God provides in the Bible. Instead, Amy says she lives by her own views...
The Bible says from such TURN AWAY (2nd Timothy 3:5). You should turn away from Amy Grant and the rest of the apostate Ecumenical Movement which has infected America's churches today, leading Protestants, Evangelicals and Roman Catholics into a One World Religion. Amy Grant is extremely popular and well supported by Roman Catholics, all of which think keeping the Seven Sacraments will get them into the kingdom of God.
People don't realize that 501c3 state-licensing and the Homosexual Agenda are helping the Ecumenical Movement unite all the churches in apostasy. Max Lucado encourages America's churchgoers to receive, support and encourage illegal immigrants (a CFR agenda, promoting the North American Union). Rick Warren is a CFR member and has flip-flopped on Proposition 8 in California concerning gay-marriage (as a chameleon changes colors to adapt to its surroundings). Whether it be your favorite CCM singer coming out of the closet, or befriending those who come out of the closet, or apostate religious authors Like Joel Osteen, Rick Warren and Joyce Meyer, they're all leading America away from the God of the Bible into apostasy!
If Amy is saved, then she is very far from God to avoid her Biblical duty to be a soul-winner (2nd Corinthians 5:11). Jesus taught that the seeds which fell amongst the thorns are those believers who are choked by the cares, riches and pleasures of THIS LIFE, and never bring forth any fruit (Luke 8:14). Jesus commanded His disciples to lay up treasures in Heaven (Matthew 6:20). Romans 10:14-15 plainly teaches the importance of soul-winning. It is apostasy for Amy grant, or any professed Christian, to shirk off their responsibility to win souls. Every believer has a duty to win souls by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ crucified, buried and risen for our sins. God does the saving, our part is to simply preach the gospel (1st Corinthians 3:6-9). The Word of God is TRUTH (John 17:17), and not just “my religion” as Amy states.
Grant may shine as a star here in this sinful world, having her name glamorized on the Hollywood Walk of Fame; but she will be oh so poor in Heaven, never having used her influence to win any lost sinners to Jesus Christ. Instead she has led millions of fans into the Ecumenical Movement. Religious Pop music doesn't get people saved. Romans 1:16 proclaims that it is the GOSPEL that is the power of God unto salvation.
The Devil's Music All Comes from the Same Company
EMI Group! Like Bob Dylan and Huey Lewis, who openly admit selling their souls to the Devil for worldly success, so do Amy Grant and others sell out by recording with heathen companies. Sparrow Records (shown on Amy's website at the bottom of all her 30 albums for sale) was acquired by EMI Group in the 1990's. EMI owns over 70 music companies! The EMI Christian Music Group is a division of the EMI Group, which also produce records for Pink Floyd, Katy Perry, Smashing Pumpkins, Grand Funk Railroad, Avalon, Sex Pistols, Iron Maiden, The Beatles, Snoop Dog, Toby Mac, and hundreds of other heathen groups (over 1500 total). It's really sickening if you realize what's going on. EMI Group is a heathen music production company out to make a buck, period.
They created their so-called Christian Music Group as part of their marketing strategy, and not because they love Christ nor care about getting anybody saved. The same parent company that sells Amy Grant's music sells Pink Floyd and Iron Maiden too. It's like a porno store in the rear with a Christian bookstore in the front, all operated by the same organization, trying to make money. There's nothing Christian about any of this garbage, not even the fake “Christian” label they slap across it. It's all a deception of the Devil, a “division” of the Godless parent company. As the saying goes, “The Apple never falls far from the tree” or “Birds of a feather flock together.” 1st Corinthians 10:21, “Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.”
The idea of a heathen greedy music company starting a so-called “Christian” music sub-company to market a different group of society is nauseating to say the least. Now you know why the gospel is never preached at any of their CCM (Contemporary Christian Music) concerts. They're no more Christian than Ozzy Osbourne. EMI sells Katy Perry's records, a little tramp whore who lays with her legs open in her immoral video Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.). She sings about streaking in the park, getting drunk, having sex with a boy, and wanting to do it all again to her parents. Such destructive music is deliberately being targeted at teens today by scum Communists, God haters and Luciferian occultists to ruin them. It was Vladimir Lenin who said, “The best revolutionary is a youth devoid of morals.”
In Amy's video, That's What Love Is For, some occult symbols are clearly and openly displayed. In the video, Amy, dressed in a red robe, (used in witchcraft rituals) strangely flashes a six-pointed-star on the palms of her hands. It is common knowledge the hands are the primary "contact point" in the occult. That is why you place your hands on the Ouija board and join hands in a séance.
The six-pointed-star Amy "communicates" is a hexagram. "Hex" is a spell used to place a curse. Hex is also the Greek word for the number six. Sean Sellars, a former Satanist, who was executed for sacrificing 3 people to Satan, says in his book, Web of Darkness (p.51), the hexagram "is said by some to be the most powerful and evil sign in Satanism and of all the occult world." Sellers also states, "The hexagram is used mainly in witchcraft to summon demons from the underworld." As Amy's is flashing the "hexagram", a mysterious black-attired man begins digging up a guitar (the curse) from the "underground"! This is no coincident or accident. These videos cost thousands of dollars to produce. They are researched and choreographed to the smallest detail.
AMY GRANT says, “I love to hear Billy Joel, Kenny Loggins and the Doobie Brothers” (Time, March 11, 1985). Amy’s album House of Love includes the environmental-mother-earth song, “Big Yellow Taxi,” by new-age-priestess Joni Mitchell (Ibid.). Mitchell is infamous for her open relationship with a spirit she calls “Art.” Obviously she is communing with demons, and it is unconscionable for Amy Grant to be promoting Mitchell’s music to Christian young people.
A Role Model for Young People?
"A recent Rolling Stone piece portrayed her as a tough-talking, no- nonsense fundamentalist who is every bit as ambitious as the real Madonna, goes to Prince concerts (she doesn't enjoy the simulated masturbation) and frolics naked on secluded African beaches...." [1]
"The beach incident occurred during a vacation, she explains, and involved a woman companion. ''We threw off our clothes. Nobody was there, nobody saw us. It was such a free, wonderful, childlike experience. It was great. But then it can also be worded as 'let's get naked.' '' Such tidbits are fodder for fundamentalists who criticize Grant's worldly sound and appearances, although she says she ''would never do anything that I thought would be offensive. I'm just trying to live my life the best way I can.'' [1]
"I have a healthy sense of right and wrong, but sometimes, for example, using foul, exclamation-point words among friends can be good for a laugh." [2]
"Why isolate yourself? Your life isolates you enough. I'm isolated when I walk into a room and somebody says, She's a Christian and nobody offers me a joint and all the coke [cocaine] disappears. . ." [3]
"I remember years ago the first time I smelled anybody smoking a joint at a concert, I was thrilled. . . it meant to me that obviously this person is not affected by the church peer pressure." [4]
References
[1] (Gospel Singer Amy Grant Crosses Over, http://tinpan.fortunecity.com/gangsta/249/articles/ung/4.html#t)
[2] (Ladies Home Journal, December, 1985, p. 100)
[3] (Amy Grant, Bob Millard (New York, 1986), p. 169)
[4] (Amy Grant, Bob Millard (New York, 1986), p. 30)
Source: http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Evils%20in%20America/CCM/amy_grant-exposed.htm
Today, I just read she will be performing here in Panama City, Florida, on June 5, 2015 - a fundraiser for the local St. John Catholic School with tickets ranging from $28.50 to $58.50.
Oh brother.
Paying to hear supposed Christian music that supports a roman catholic school? I don't think so.
And that's not the half of it, folks - read on...
Amy Grant Is On The Devil's SideBy David J. Stewart | Updated January 2013“I’M TRYING TO LOOK SEXY to sell a record...” (Rolling Stone, June 6, 1985, p. 10).[1]
Luke 6:26, “Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to THE FALSE PROPHETS.”
Amy Grant is a tremendous singer and I admire anyone who works hard to succeed in life. As a musician myself, I like many songs that Amy sings. She's definitely a gifted singer. I am not publishing this article to be unkind. I'm the biggest sinner I know (and so are you if you're right with God and realize just how sinful we all are). James 2:10 says to commit one sin is equivalent to breaking all of God's Commandments in the Lord's eyes. The only righteousness which I possess is the imputed righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ. Grant has changed over the years, singing about her imperfections and those who wrongly judge her. Certainly, no one has a right to condemn anyone, for the Law of God condemns all humanity (Romans 3:19). Whatever sins Amy Grant has are none of my business or anybody else's. We are all big sinners in one way or another. 1st John 1:8-10 calls anyone a liar who denies their sinfulness. The apostle Paul knew how sinful he still was as a Christian, constantly struggling between the flesh and the Spirit of God Who lives in every believer (Romans 7:14-25).
Having said that, I published this article to expose Amy Grant, not for her sins; but rather, for her ecumenical associations, open use of occult symbols in her albums, Hollywood fame, wearing pants and sensual clothing on stage, her lackadaisical attitude toward sharing the gospel to get people saved... all part of the Godless New World Order. I'm tired of women singers being immodest and vile on stage and then downplaying it as just marketing techniques. Miss "Jesus Take The Wheel" (Carrie Underwood) is numero uno whore-of-the-year! Remember, even the Devil appears as an angel of light (2nd Corinthians 11:13-15; Matthew 7:15). So it's not surprising that the most immoral, slutty-smutty and disgraceful of singers claim to know and love Jesus.
Amy Grant said in 1985 that she was dressing sexy to sell a record, and she certainly has sold many records. As of 2009, Grant remains the best-selling Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) singer ever, having sold over 30 million albums worldwide. Amy's on top of the world. She was honored with a star on Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2005 for her contributions to the entertainment industry.
Tragically, Amy Grant's music is so vague, wishy-washy, and doctrinally deficient that Roman Catholics support her. Amy Grant was interviewed[2] by Catholic.org (the world's largest Catholic network) on July 22, 2010 by Billy Atwell.
As a born-again believer who loves Jesus Christ, I am appalled that any professed Christian would remain totally silent about the evils of the damned Catholic religion, which is leading billions of people into the Lake of Fire. It doesn't require a degree in theology to know that Catholicism is of the Devil. Everything about Catholicism is a cruel hoax, intended to keep men blinded from the truth and lead them into Hell forever (2nd Corinthians 4:4). Religion wants to fit us with glasses; but the Lord wants to open our eyes. Have you believed a lie?
I don't condemn anyone, for the Bible condemns all of us as guilty, dirty, rotten, hell-deserving sinners. My salvation solely rests in Christ's righteousness, because of the precious blood that He gave for our sins. My intention is not to be unkind; but rather, to expose the demonic nature of so-called "Christian rock," and also to expose Amy Grant as a bad influence for Christian teenagers to follow. Amy states . . .
“CHRISTIANS CAN BE SEXY. What I’m doing is a good thing” (Amy Grant, interview, People, July 15, 1991).
This goes contrary to 1st Timothy 2:9 which instructs Christian ladies to dress in "modest apparel." The issue is not about the performers personally; but rather, about the worldly music they claim to sing in Jesus' name and the kind of role models they are for teens. Here's a perverted (and retarded) snapshot from Amy's mega popular video 'BABY, BABY'. Amy's not only the “Queen Of Christian Pop,” but also the queen of sinful compromise. This is how Amy serves God . . .
Jude 1:17-19, “But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.”
Amy Grant's so-called 'music video' 'BABY, BABY' is more resemblant of 101 sexual positions than a music video. And then like a little spoiled brat she publicly whines about people who are JUDGING AMY! Of course Christians get upset when Amy behaves like a slut and openly admits dressing sexy to sell an album...
“I’M TRYING TO LOOK SEXY to sell a record...” (Rolling Stone, June 6, 1985, p. 10).
What do you expect? This is NOT condemning Amy, but simply discerning whether or not she's the type of role model America's youth should have. The following information is about Amy's music and public image. Amy states . . .
There's a fine line between forcing one's religious beliefs upon another person verses sincerely caring about other people and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with them. Very few people care enough to see the difference, because they are simply against God and the Bible, period. Amy Grant considers sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with her fans as imposing her religious beliefs upon them. That is tragic and sad. Millions of lost sinners about to be cast into the Lake of Fire will one day look at Amy and ask, “Why didn't you warn me? You knew the truth, but failed to warn me, why?” One thing is for certain, the Godless music industry controls Amy Grant.As Christians, we should all be trying to get souls saved. Proverb 11:30, “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” Amy Grant has made tens-of-millions of dollars through her musical career, professing to be a Christian and singing worldly music in the name of Jesus; but she has not glorified God when she neglects to use her massive public influence to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the lost. Daniel 5:23, “...the God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified.”“I'm a singer, not a preacher, I'm not looking to convert anybody” says Christian rock diva Amy Grant. (Los Angeles Times, 5/4/84, pg. 2-c) Grant goes on to demonstrate her spirituality by saying, “I'm not going to say too often that I like a cold beer while watching a football game. That might bother some of my fans.” (Greensville News, 5/4/94)
Amy Grant professes to be a Christian, and I am not one to judge whether she is or not, but when any so-called Christian celebrity is honored by Hollywood and is praised by unsaved Catholics and is popular with the sinful world, something is very wrong. 2nd Timothy 3:12 says that believers who live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. When you stand up for Jesus and carry a Bible, the world will forsake you immediately (John 15:19). Amy Grant is so worldly, immodest, sensual, sinfully proud, high faced, irreverent and carnally-minded that the heathen world loves her. That is NOT Biblical Christianity!
Luke 8:15 teaches that every believer ought to obediently sow the seed of the gospel to win souls to Christ. Amy Grant openly admits that she has no intention of winning anyone to the Lord. What a sad testimony. I preach mostly against celebrities who masquerade as Christians, who falsely claiming to love God; while hiding their candle under a bushel, and remaining silent about everything that is unholy, evil, a deception, and of the Devil. Jesus said those who love Him obey His Commandments (John 14:15). I'm sick and tired of so-called “Christian” singers shining in humanity's spotlight, being honored by the wicked, supporting the homosexual agenda, and no one has anything negative to say about them because they never take a stand for anything that pleases God. Philippians 2:21, “For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.” To stand for God nearly always means to stand alone.
Jesus plainly taught that no one can serve God and money. Matthew 6:24, “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, TobyMac, and all the rest of today's apostate CCM singers are serving mammon, i.e., money. They all know that to raise a flag for God would be career suicide. Hollywood doesn't honor God-fearing Christians who speak out against sin and evil. As you follow the public careers of your favorite CCM singers, you will (guaranteed) eventually see them embrace the homosexual agenda in one way or another.
Amy Grant admits that she has made some bad decisions in life, as we all have; but that does not excuse her present worldliness, hob-knobbing with homosexuals, apostate religious affiliation with Billy Balaam (Graham) and fruitless testimony as a professed believer. She is a friend of the sinful world, which James 4:4 says makes her God's enemy. James 4:4, “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” Being a “friend” in James 4:4 means “to assist” the heathen world. Amy grant is pulling on the same rope as the Devil's crowd. She openly admits her ignorance of the Scriptures...
"That’s one reason I started writing songs, because I DIDN’T WANT TO IMPOSE MY RELIGION ON ANYONE. This way the audience can sit back and draw its own conclusions. … My art and the feeling I am trying to communicate through the songs, it would be silly for me to say, this is who God is; I DON’T HAVE ANY ANSWERS" (Amy Grant, interview, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Oct. 21, 1984).
The Illuminati love to hide things in plain sight. As the saying goes, “You can't see the forest for the trees.” Symbolism and occult imagery are subconsciously perceived, but on a conscious level will not be seen. Amy Grant is no exception. Here's Amy Grant making her famous El Diablo hand sign on stage.
Be warned friend, the Devil is working relentlessly to corrupt what's left of family values and moral character in America. You're going to see satanism trying to creep it's way into our lives in every way possible. With Harry Potter, Devilish shows like Charmed and Witches, Country singers popularizing songs written by satanists, the Godless Public School System, multitudes of corrupted Bible versions, pagan holidays, Rock 'N' Roll music, Rap, Punk, Godless CCM music, false religions, sexually degenerate TV, apostasy in the church, abortion, adultery, homosexuality, and every other evil imaginable... how long can America last??? Even the New King James Bible has an occult symbol on the front cover.
Christianity is NOT religion, it is being born-again by the incorruptible Word of God. 1st Peter 1:23, “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” Amy Grant says she doesn't want to impose her religion on anyone, all she wants to do is sing and make lots of money. Although Amy made this statement over 25-years ago, she has lived up to her apostate statements throughout her career, never having shared the gospel truth with her fans. Amy admits that she doesn't have any answers, and still doesn't from reading her website, song lyrics and recent interviews; but the Bible certainly does have the answers, which is why Jesus told us to SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES in John 5:39.
Amy Grant doesn't want the answers which God provides in the Bible. Instead, Amy says she lives by her own views...
May I humbly say, I am as narrow-minded as the Bible. I believe that the King James Bible is God's inspired Words, each and every word of it! I sincerely doubt if Amy Grant is truly a born-again Christian, because she openly states that she doesn't have ANY ANSWERS. If you know how you got saved, then you do have the answer of how to go to Heaven. Does Amy not know how she came to be born-again? Is she saved at all? I think not. Amy admits that she has religion; but that doesn't mean she is saved. Most people have churchianity without Christianity. Remember that the Scriptures warned us that religious phonies would fill our churches in the Last Days (2nd Timothy 3:5), being sensual and worldly, professing a form of godliness but denying the power of the gospel thereof (Romans 1:!6).“I don’t feel like it’s my mission in life to preach to people. I feel like it’s just my gift to communicate life as I see it” (Amy Grant, Family Weekly, August 11, 1985).
The Bible says from such TURN AWAY (2nd Timothy 3:5). You should turn away from Amy Grant and the rest of the apostate Ecumenical Movement which has infected America's churches today, leading Protestants, Evangelicals and Roman Catholics into a One World Religion. Amy Grant is extremely popular and well supported by Roman Catholics, all of which think keeping the Seven Sacraments will get them into the kingdom of God.
People don't realize that 501c3 state-licensing and the Homosexual Agenda are helping the Ecumenical Movement unite all the churches in apostasy. Max Lucado encourages America's churchgoers to receive, support and encourage illegal immigrants (a CFR agenda, promoting the North American Union). Rick Warren is a CFR member and has flip-flopped on Proposition 8 in California concerning gay-marriage (as a chameleon changes colors to adapt to its surroundings). Whether it be your favorite CCM singer coming out of the closet, or befriending those who come out of the closet, or apostate religious authors Like Joel Osteen, Rick Warren and Joyce Meyer, they're all leading America away from the God of the Bible into apostasy!
If Amy is saved, then she is very far from God to avoid her Biblical duty to be a soul-winner (2nd Corinthians 5:11). Jesus taught that the seeds which fell amongst the thorns are those believers who are choked by the cares, riches and pleasures of THIS LIFE, and never bring forth any fruit (Luke 8:14). Jesus commanded His disciples to lay up treasures in Heaven (Matthew 6:20). Romans 10:14-15 plainly teaches the importance of soul-winning. It is apostasy for Amy grant, or any professed Christian, to shirk off their responsibility to win souls. Every believer has a duty to win souls by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ crucified, buried and risen for our sins. God does the saving, our part is to simply preach the gospel (1st Corinthians 3:6-9). The Word of God is TRUTH (John 17:17), and not just “my religion” as Amy states.
Grant may shine as a star here in this sinful world, having her name glamorized on the Hollywood Walk of Fame; but she will be oh so poor in Heaven, never having used her influence to win any lost sinners to Jesus Christ. Instead she has led millions of fans into the Ecumenical Movement. Religious Pop music doesn't get people saved. Romans 1:16 proclaims that it is the GOSPEL that is the power of God unto salvation.
The Devil's Music All Comes from the Same Company
EMI Group! Like Bob Dylan and Huey Lewis, who openly admit selling their souls to the Devil for worldly success, so do Amy Grant and others sell out by recording with heathen companies. Sparrow Records (shown on Amy's website at the bottom of all her 30 albums for sale) was acquired by EMI Group in the 1990's. EMI owns over 70 music companies! The EMI Christian Music Group is a division of the EMI Group, which also produce records for Pink Floyd, Katy Perry, Smashing Pumpkins, Grand Funk Railroad, Avalon, Sex Pistols, Iron Maiden, The Beatles, Snoop Dog, Toby Mac, and hundreds of other heathen groups (over 1500 total). It's really sickening if you realize what's going on. EMI Group is a heathen music production company out to make a buck, period.
They created their so-called Christian Music Group as part of their marketing strategy, and not because they love Christ nor care about getting anybody saved. The same parent company that sells Amy Grant's music sells Pink Floyd and Iron Maiden too. It's like a porno store in the rear with a Christian bookstore in the front, all operated by the same organization, trying to make money. There's nothing Christian about any of this garbage, not even the fake “Christian” label they slap across it. It's all a deception of the Devil, a “division” of the Godless parent company. As the saying goes, “The Apple never falls far from the tree” or “Birds of a feather flock together.” 1st Corinthians 10:21, “Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.”
The idea of a heathen greedy music company starting a so-called “Christian” music sub-company to market a different group of society is nauseating to say the least. Now you know why the gospel is never preached at any of their CCM (Contemporary Christian Music) concerts. They're no more Christian than Ozzy Osbourne. EMI sells Katy Perry's records, a little tramp whore who lays with her legs open in her immoral video Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.). She sings about streaking in the park, getting drunk, having sex with a boy, and wanting to do it all again to her parents. Such destructive music is deliberately being targeted at teens today by scum Communists, God haters and Luciferian occultists to ruin them. It was Vladimir Lenin who said, “The best revolutionary is a youth devoid of morals.”
SENSUAL MUSIC AND LIFESTYLE
Amy Grant’s life and music have been marked by sensuality and pop psychology rather than true holiness and biblical truth. Her 1997 album, Behind the Eyes, made no mention of God or Jesus Christ and had no explicitly Christian lyrics. She told secular entertainment distributor IMusic that the song "Like I Love You" is actually about loving oneself!
Articles about Amy Grant in the secular media invariably reveal that she is loved not for her Christian message but for her sensuality.
People magazine noticed Amy’s lack of holiness in the performance of the video for the song "Baby, Baby."
"There’s saintly Amy cuddling some hunky guy, crooning ‘Baby, Baby’ into his ear and looking pretty SLEEK AND SINFUL…" (People, July 15, 1991 p. 71).
Amy Grant admits that...
When asked about the controversy surrounding this video, Amy replied:
"The whole thing just seemed very boring to me. Besides, shooting the video was a blast. IT'S FUN TO FLIRT if you’re a happily-married woman" (Woman's Day, Dec. 22 , 1992 , p. 35).
The Bible says that sexual flirting, immodest attire, and such things are basically the same as adultery. When Amy Grant dresses sensually and dances sensually in her performances, she is committing adultery with her audience. Such action does not contribute to a healthy marriage. Further, it is obvious now that Amy was NOT necessarily a happily-married woman when she spoke to Woman's Day magazine in 1992.
UNSCRIPTURAL PHILOSOPHY
Amy Grant’s unscriptural philosophy is evident in the following statements she and her associates have made to the press:
"It seems to me that PEOPLE WHO ARE MOST ADAMANTLY AGAINST PREMARITAL SEX HAVE EXPERIENCED SOME KIND OF PAIN IN THEIR OWN LIVES. Like the people who say absolutely NO to rock & roll. Chances are it has something to do with a past sadness…" (Amy Grant, interview, Ladies Home Journal, December 1985, p. 210).
"I’m a singer, not a preacher. I’M NOT LOOKING TO CONVERT ANYBODY. I feel people come to hear my music, not to hear me talk" (Amy Grant, St. Petersburg Times, Florida, April 7, 1984, p. 4).
"I don’t feel like it’s my mission in life to preach to people. I feel like it’s just my gift to communicate life as I see it" (Amy Grant, Family Weekly, August 11, 1985).
"I’ve become disillusioned, and that’s why my lyrics are less idealistic. I’m realizing that the world isn’t a perfect place, and GOD CAN’T SOLVE EVERYONE’S PROBLEMS" (Amy Grant, interview, Family Circle, September 9, 1986, p. 24).
"If an audience feels I’ve walked away from God because I no longer talk about Him onstage, then that’s their loss" (Amy Grant, Ibid.).
"I get tired of Christians trying to tell me what being a Christian is. I get tired of that kind of Christianity. … People asking, ‘Have you had your quiet time today?’ We have such a regimented idea of what Christianity is" (Amy Grant, 1980, cited by Bob Millard, Amy Grant, p. 107).
"That’s one reason I started writing songs, because I DIDN’T WANT TO IMPOSE MY RELIGION ON ANYONE. This way the audience can sit back and draw its own conclusions. … My art and the feeling I am trying to communicate through the songs, it would be silly for me to say, this is who God is; I DON’T HAVE ANY ANSWERS" (Amy Grant, interview, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Oct. 21, 1984).
"CHRISTIANS CAN BE SEXY. What I’m doing is a good thing" (Amy Grant, interview, People, July 15, 1991).
[The following is Amy’s own description of her actions before a crowd of 30,000 young people in Kissimmee, Florida, in 1978.] "We’re sitting there, I do my sound check. All these girls are in halter tops, great figures, everybody's wearing nothing, we’re in Floriday [her way of pronouncing Florida]. I’m eighteen, and I know what they’re thinking. I said, ‘I really want to know Jesus and I really want to love him except … my hormones are on ten, and I see you all … sitting out there getting chummy and praying together -- and WE’RE HORNY. MY FEELING IS, WHY FAKE IT? I’m not trying to be gross, I’m saying let’s be honest about what’s coming down’" (Bob Millard, Amy Grant, 1986, p. 103).
QUOTES BY AMY GRANT
The queen-bee of Christian rock is Amy Grant. Amy says,Amy's song, "Baby, Baby", was unprecedented in Gospel Music history topping the chart as the number-one spot on Billboard magazine. People magazine (July 15, 1991 p.71) says of Amy's video Baby, Baby...
The Bible says in 2nd Timothy 2:22, "Flee also youthful lusts:", but Amy says...“Why isolate yourself? Your life isolates you enough. I’m isolated when I walk into a room and somebody says, She’s a Christian and NOBODY OFFERS ME A JOINT and all the coke (cocaine) disappears. . .” (Bob Millard, Amy Grant, p. 169)
"Petting happens . . . As a teenager, when I gave part of me to someone, I knew I was just going to flirt, HAVE A LITTLE FUN, . . ."(Bob Millard, Amy Grant, p. 30)Amy Grant tells the Ladies Home Journal (Dec. 1985, p. 210)...
“It seems to me that people who are most adamantly against premarital sex have experienced some kind of pain in their own lives. Like the people who say absolutely no to rock ‘n’ roll. Chances are it has something to do with a past sadness…”
"There's saintly Amy cuddling some hunky guy, crooning "Baby, Baby" into his ear and looking pretty SLEEK AND SINFUL. . . "After all, Amy confesses, "I'm trying to look SEXY to sell a record . . ." (Rolling Stone, June 6, 1985 p. 10)In 1998 Amy left her husband of 16 years, Gary Chapman. Gary literally got on his knees and begged Amy to stay. In June 1999, Amy divorced Gary. And quickly, in March 2000, Amy married country star Vince Gill. In 1996, Vince’s wife Janis found a note—”I love you, Amy”—in his golf bag. (People, Nov. 29, 1999), As early as 1994, Amy told Gary,
“. . . I’ve given my heart to another man.” (CCM, January 2000, p. 36)Amy admits to ABC's Primetime,
“I think that a part of me loved him [Vince] instantly.”Though Amy has denied any sexual contact with Vince before their marriage – few believe her – including Gary Chapman. When asked whether Amy and Vince were romantically involved, Gary says:
(http://abcnews.go.com/sections/primetime/DailyNews/amygrant_vincegill_021003.html)
“Could I answer? Yeah. Will I answer? Probably not. I think by Amy’s admission they’ve been very dear friends for years. I suspect most people can add. I’ll leave that to their mathematical abilities.”On Amy's Lead Me On album, Amy and Michael W. Smith wrote the "sin-temptation-adultery" song "Faithless Heart":
(http://amygrant.offramp.org/info/articles/sep/41.html)
Faithless heart — how true it was. . .At times the woman deep inside me
Wanders far from home,
And in my mind I live a life
That chills me to the bone.
A heart, running for arms out of reach,
But who is the stranger my longing seeks?
I don't know.
But it scares me through and through,
'Cause I've a man at home
Who needs me to be true. . .
Oh, faithless heart,
You tempt me to the core,. . .
God, you know my feelings here
Could wipe my world away,
Ravaging the promises
A stronger heart once made,. . .
- Faithless Heart, Amy Grant (Lead Me On, 1988)
“For their heart was not right with him. . .”
Psalm 78:37
Psalm 78:37
OCCULT
A frightening "mark" infiltrating much of the Contemporary Christian Music is occult symbols. And many of these symbols are blatant recognition of occult usage. Harpers' Encyclopedia of Mystical & Paranormal Experience (p.594) says, "Symbols are important to all esoteric teachings [occult], for they contain secret wisdom accessible only to the initiated." In Amy's video, That's What Love Is For, some occult symbols are clearly and openly displayed. In the video, Amy, dressed in a red robe, (used in witchcraft rituals) strangely flashes a six-pointed-star on the palms of her hands. It is common knowledge the hands are the primary "contact point" in the occult. That is why you place your hands on the Ouija board and join hands in a séance. The six-pointed-star Amy "communicates" is a hexagram. "Hex" is a spell used to place a curse. Hex is also the Greek word for the number six. Sean Sellars, a former Satanist, who was executed for sacrificing 3 people to Satan, says in his book, Web of Darkness (p.51), the hexagram "is said by some to be the most powerful and evil sign in Satanism and of all the occult world." Sellers also states, "The hexagram is used mainly in witchcraft to summon demons from the underworld." As Amy's is flashing the "hexagram", a mysterious black-attired man begins digging up a guitar (the curse) from the "underground"! This is no coincident or accident. These videos cost thousands of dollars to produce. They are researched and choreographed to the smallest detail.
AMY GRANT says, “I love to hear Billy Joel, Kenny Loggins and the Doobie Brothers” (Time, March 11, 1985). Amy’s album House of Love includes the environmental-mother-earth song, “Big Yellow Taxi,” by new-age-priestess Joni Mitchell (Ibid.). Mitchell is infamous for her open relationship with a spirit she calls “Art.” Obviously she is communing with demons, and it is unconscionable for Amy Grant to be promoting Mitchell’s music to Christian young people.
A Role Model for Young People?
"A recent Rolling Stone piece portrayed her as a tough-talking, no- nonsense fundamentalist who is every bit as ambitious as the real Madonna, goes to Prince concerts (she doesn't enjoy the simulated masturbation) and frolics naked on secluded African beaches...." [1]
"The beach incident occurred during a vacation, she explains, and involved a woman companion. ''We threw off our clothes. Nobody was there, nobody saw us. It was such a free, wonderful, childlike experience. It was great. But then it can also be worded as 'let's get naked.' '' Such tidbits are fodder for fundamentalists who criticize Grant's worldly sound and appearances, although she says she ''would never do anything that I thought would be offensive. I'm just trying to live my life the best way I can.'' [1]
"I have a healthy sense of right and wrong, but sometimes, for example, using foul, exclamation-point words among friends can be good for a laugh." [2]
"Why isolate yourself? Your life isolates you enough. I'm isolated when I walk into a room and somebody says, She's a Christian and nobody offers me a joint and all the coke [cocaine] disappears. . ." [3]
"I remember years ago the first time I smelled anybody smoking a joint at a concert, I was thrilled. . . it meant to me that obviously this person is not affected by the church peer pressure." [4]
References
[1] (Gospel Singer Amy Grant Crosses Over, http://tinpan.fortunecity.com/gangsta/249/articles/ung/4.html#t)
[2] (Ladies Home Journal, December, 1985, p. 100)
[3] (Amy Grant, Bob Millard (New York, 1986), p. 169)
[4] (Amy Grant, Bob Millard (New York, 1986), p. 30)
Source: http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Evils%20in%20America/CCM/amy_grant-exposed.htm
Over the years my opinions have changed but this will never change: Jesus Christ, Lord, God and Savior, died on the cross and rose from the dead to pay for my sin.
Today's Churches are the Biggest Enemy of the Truth
Thanks Ronald Kirkland
Over the years my opinions have changed but this will never change: Jesus Christ, Lord, God and Savior, died on the cross and rose from the dead to pay for my sin.
Beware of Wolves in Sheep's Clothing Like Joey Hemphill
This morning received this email and got permission to post it:
Subject: Thanks For Your Ministry, Speaking Of "WOLVES"
I appreciate your blog on "WOLVES". So sad that there are many.
I am glad that many have been exposed, but the many on Christian radio/TV that have not. These have duped many Christians, and Christian organizations. One example below. Many Herbert W Armstrong off-shoots cults continue to air on Christian radio/TV. I know of at least 8 of these cults airing. One well know off-shoot is former Baptist Ronald L Dart's "Born To Win" program. He airs on Christian stations in FL. He has now been cancelled from twenty-three Christian stations. They others only care "if the check clears the bank" What a real shame!
Blessings,
James
Here is a small sample of some of the information I have sent to different ministries concerning 8 time Dove award winner, author of many well Gospel songs, Joel Hemphill I found his book on a cult site, The Church Of God General Conference, many get this confuse because they have "Church of God" in their title. Some of Hemphill's BLASPHEMOUS materials are on this site: http://21stcr.org/
Musician Joel Hemphill Says, "We Are Going to Bring Down the Doctrine of the Trinity"
http://biblicalevangelist.org/index.php?id=772
Southern Gospel Singer Denounces the Trinity and Deity of Christ
http://wfiprestoncondra.blogspot.com/2008/07/southern-gospel-singer-denounces.html
JOEL HEMPHILL DOES DENY THE DEITY OF CHRIST
http://apprising.org/2008/08/30/joel-hemphill-does-deny-the-deity-of-christ/
Heretic Enters Southern Gospel Hall of Fame
http://jaspry.blogspot.com/2008/07/heretic-enters-southern-gospel-hall-of.html
Joel Hemphill Denies the Deity of Christ and the Trinity
http://www.aomin.org/aoblog/index.php/2008/07/08/joel-hemphill-denies-the-deity-of-christ-and-the-trinity/
My reply:
Thanks so much James. Can I post your email?
Not sure you've read or seen any of my testimony, but I've been deceived by some of these frauds, thus my earnest desire to see them exposed and to warn others. The problem in my opinion is if a person does not love the truth, they are subject to deception. I love the truth BUT I did not heed the red flags the Holy Spirit was waving in front of me. When I finally did wake up, He opened my eyes to A LOT of shocking revelations. Even many of the newer 'modern' churches that look at times like a rock concert at times are questionable in my eyes but I haven't really researched them much to confirm my suspicions.
My continued prayer to God is that the Truth be revealed, the lies be exposed, the deceived wake up, the sinner repent, the lost saved and the Lord Jesus Christ be glorified!
Blessings,
Cathy
James follow-up email:
Yes, you can post this Thanks for your email. I have info concerning Dart's unorthodox teachings, just in case you are asked. Some have questioned me about his teachings. He has duped many. He sounds smooth. All one has to do is some digging. That's what I did with Joel Hemphill. I noticed is book on a cult site. I called to asked why is book is on their site. They told me this is a book by Hemphill "To God Be The Glory" explaing why Jesus is not God, and the Trinity is false. I called Hemphill in TN(Always want to get the info from the horses mouth). Sadly, he has duped many. Speaking of the deity of Christ, TATE Christian publishers published a book that the author denies the deity of Christ, the Trinity, Hell, and teaches soul-sleep. This author was involved in the Way International cult. I voiced my concern to the CEO of TATE, it did not faze him in the least. From what I understand all authors must acknowledge TATE'S statement of faith. HmmmmmmmmmmmmmMONEY!!! At least XULON Christian Press took a book out of print by another Way International associate. In his book he also attacked the deity of Christ and the Trinity. Many of these off-shoots have duped/deceived Christians. Here's one site(Way International off-shoots) where Keith Daniels and Jerry Brown are listed. http://cortright.org/behome.htm
Subject: Thanks For Your Ministry, Speaking Of "WOLVES"
I appreciate your blog on "WOLVES". So sad that there are many.
I am glad that many have been exposed, but the many on Christian radio/TV that have not. These have duped many Christians, and Christian organizations. One example below. Many Herbert W Armstrong off-shoots cults continue to air on Christian radio/TV. I know of at least 8 of these cults airing. One well know off-shoot is former Baptist Ronald L Dart's "Born To Win" program. He airs on Christian stations in FL. He has now been cancelled from twenty-three Christian stations. They others only care "if the check clears the bank" What a real shame!
Blessings,
James
Here is a small sample of some of the information I have sent to different ministries concerning 8 time Dove award winner, author of many well Gospel songs, Joel Hemphill I found his book on a cult site, The Church Of God General Conference, many get this confuse because they have "Church of God" in their title. Some of Hemphill's BLASPHEMOUS materials are on this site: http://21stcr.org/
Musician Joel Hemphill Says, "We Are Going to Bring Down the Doctrine of the Trinity"
http://biblicalevangelist.org/index.php?id=772
Southern Gospel Singer Denounces the Trinity and Deity of Christ
http://wfiprestoncondra.blogspot.com/2008/07/southern-gospel-singer-denounces.html
JOEL HEMPHILL DOES DENY THE DEITY OF CHRIST
http://apprising.org/2008/08/30/joel-hemphill-does-deny-the-deity-of-christ/
Heretic Enters Southern Gospel Hall of Fame
http://jaspry.blogspot.com/2008/07/heretic-enters-southern-gospel-hall-of.html
Joel Hemphill Denies the Deity of Christ and the Trinity
http://www.aomin.org/aoblog/index.php/2008/07/08/joel-hemphill-denies-the-deity-of-christ-and-the-trinity/
My reply:
Thanks so much James. Can I post your email?
Not sure you've read or seen any of my testimony, but I've been deceived by some of these frauds, thus my earnest desire to see them exposed and to warn others. The problem in my opinion is if a person does not love the truth, they are subject to deception. I love the truth BUT I did not heed the red flags the Holy Spirit was waving in front of me. When I finally did wake up, He opened my eyes to A LOT of shocking revelations. Even many of the newer 'modern' churches that look at times like a rock concert at times are questionable in my eyes but I haven't really researched them much to confirm my suspicions.
My continued prayer to God is that the Truth be revealed, the lies be exposed, the deceived wake up, the sinner repent, the lost saved and the Lord Jesus Christ be glorified!
Blessings,
Cathy
James follow-up email:
Yes, you can post this Thanks for your email. I have info concerning Dart's unorthodox teachings, just in case you are asked. Some have questioned me about his teachings. He has duped many. He sounds smooth. All one has to do is some digging. That's what I did with Joel Hemphill. I noticed is book on a cult site. I called to asked why is book is on their site. They told me this is a book by Hemphill "To God Be The Glory" explaing why Jesus is not God, and the Trinity is false. I called Hemphill in TN(Always want to get the info from the horses mouth). Sadly, he has duped many. Speaking of the deity of Christ, TATE Christian publishers published a book that the author denies the deity of Christ, the Trinity, Hell, and teaches soul-sleep. This author was involved in the Way International cult. I voiced my concern to the CEO of TATE, it did not faze him in the least. From what I understand all authors must acknowledge TATE'S statement of faith. HmmmmmmmmmmmmmMONEY!!! At least XULON Christian Press took a book out of print by another Way International associate. In his book he also attacked the deity of Christ and the Trinity. Many of these off-shoots have duped/deceived Christians. Here's one site(Way International off-shoots) where Keith Daniels and Jerry Brown are listed. http://cortright.org/behome.htm
Over the years my opinions have changed but this will never change: Jesus Christ, Lord, God and Savior, died on the cross and rose from the dead to pay for my sin.
WOLF ALERT! Name: Markus Bishop. Location: Panama City Beach, FL
Please scroll down for updates
It's time to expose this Wolf in Sheep's clothing as he is right here, under my nose, in Panama City Beach!
“I am a follower of Jesus. I practice of Buddhism. I am a student of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and I am a student in miracles and more than anything I am passionate about a path of reality that manifests in love and peace." Marcus Bishop
Read and weep...
Church or Club?
03/10/2015
http://www.mypanhandle.com/story/d/story/church-or-club/34633/-vBllcFHmEqjBsauQgiwYQ#.VQBLVuyiofU.facebook
It's to be expected that spring breakers who come to Panama City Beach will party, but it's unexpected that they would do so in a local church.
There are signs asking for a cover charge and an ATM at the property listed as Faith Christian Family Church. And that's some of the evidence that the location may serve a different purpose.
"I myself went in there saturday night at around 11 o'clock at night. There's no chairs in there there's no pews. They had a loud stereo system going, they're running videos on top of the stay. To all purposes it's a nigh club. I've been to a lot of night clubs, it's a night club. I've been to a lot of churches, it's not a church,” said Panama City Beach Chief of Police Drew Whitman.
Because the facility is listed as a church, it’s tax exempt. Property owner Markus Bishop, who has a criminal record, recently told Chief Whitman he still holds church service at the same location as Club Amnesia Wednesdays and Sundays.
"A true church, a God fearing, God honoring church that conducts meaningful worshipful services and activities in January doesn't sponsor this type of debauchery in March, ” said Bay County appraiser Dan Sowell.
After he heard this news, Sowell removed the tax exemption from the location. Even spring breakers found this situation unsettling.
"They were advertising it a lot and apparently they had like explicit like you're not going to remember the fun night and I'm like, not in a church,” said spring breaker Mary-Kate Messer.
“I don't think that partying is something you should take into the church,” said spring breaker Tyler Smith.
The bottom line, authorities smell something fishy and they're investigating.
"There's something wrong with this picture. You know you got monies not accountable going through the door. To me it's a scam. It is a scam. And I nor the chief are going to stand by. And if we can stop, we're going to stop it,” said Bay County Sheriff Frank McKeithen.
News 13 reached out to property owner Markus Bishop for comment, but he didn’t return any of our phone calls.
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Now let's look back...
Former Panama City Beach Pastor Accepts a Plea Deal
02/12/2015 05:35 PM
http://www.mypanhandle.com/story/d/story/former-panama-city-beach-pastor-accepts-a-plea-dea/10066/UoDTkSzZ0EG-3nOgeUdbZA
A former Panama City Beach pastor accepts a plea deal.
The Bay County Clerk of Courts says Markus Bishop, 54, had his charges for delivery of a controlled substance to a child and contributing to the delinquency of a minor dropped.
His charge for felony battery was amended to misdemeanor battery and he pled adjudicated withheld to that charge. As a result he faces 12 months of probation, 100 hours of community service, no contact with the victim and must pay the court over a thousand dollars in fees.
Back in September 2014 the Bay County Sheriff's Office arrested Bishop and he was accused of giving a 16 year-old marijuana and kissed the teen several times.
Marcus Bishop was once pastor of the now closed Faith Christian Family Church on Back Beach Road.
http://i1.wp.com/baycountypress.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/bishop-1.jpg
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Leg's go back a little further...
Preacher Surrenders at the Bay County Jail on Child Abuse Charges
Thu 3:51 PM, Jun 24, 2004
http://www.wjhg.com/news/headlines/848767.html
Forty-four-year-old Marcus Bishop is charged with felony child abuse for slapping his 15-year-old daughter. Both of his daughters live in Alabama with their mother, but were visiting Bishop this week in Panama City Beach.
According to the arrest warrant, Bishop hit his daughter across the face hard enough to knock off her glasses.
Two hours after the incident when the police were called, the teenager still had a hand print on her face and there were visible welts.
Bishop's attorney, Waylon Graham, says the case is just bogus. "She was standing in her daddy's face, screaming and hollering and calling him a dumb “a-hole” and at that point Rev. Bishop smacked her on the cheek and told her to hush, and here we are."
Bishop is the pastor at The Faith Christian Family Church on Back Beach Road at Panama City Beach.
---end---
Now listen to what he believes! Icing on the cake
Mega Church Pastor's Long Spiritual Journey
Sat 9:28 PM, Jun 22, 2013
CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO
http://www.wjhg.com/home/headlines/Mega-Church-Pastors-Long-Spiritual-Journey--212568291.html
Markus Bishop has been in the headlines throughout the years for many reasons but, this time it is for something different.
"For some reason there are rumors and people talking about what I am today,” said Bishop. “I guess right off the bat it would be difficult in a sound bit to explain my spiritual path."
Bishop says he began a journey several years ago to find his truth.
"Because I had certainly complied with and conformed with a lot of things in my beliefs that didn't resonate with me. And I decided after a lot of difficult things occurred in my life, people may call it a crash and burn, they were an awakening. They made me really go and look within."
Bishop lead a mega church in Panama City Beach, but two bitter divorces, a bankruptcy and a court battle to keep from paying taxes on his multimillion dollar parsonage changed his outlook on life.
“It's not about what label you wear or title you carry, it's about what goes on inside you, Bishop said.
“I am a follower of Jesus. I practice of Buddhism. I am a student of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and I am a student in miracles and more than anything I am passionate about a path of reality that manifests in love and peace."
Bishop has a new church, called The Life Center, where he says there are no rules, no religion, just love.
---end---
UPDATE MARCH 23, 2015
PCB church loses tax exemption after opening club
By ZACK McDONALD | News Herald Writer
Published: Wednesday, March 11, 2015 at 10:53 AM.
Club Amnesia
PANAMA CITY BEACH — A local church that has been hosting naked paint parties and slumber-party Sundays with the “sexiest ladies on the beach” will now have to pay taxes on the property as officers investigate the church’s practices, authorities said Tuesday.
The Life Center: A Spiritual Community, 9721 Thomas Drive, has been up and running its seven-days-a-week party schedule as Amesia: The Tabernacle since Feb. 28. But The Tabernacle, which caters to college students on vacation, has caught the attention of more than just party-seeking spring breakers.
Since ATMs and a banner promoting “iDrink” appeared out front of The Life Center, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and Panama City Beach Police Department investigators have began taking a closer look at the church. Owned by Markus Q. Bishop, former pastor of Faith Christian Family Church, officials said the club has been engaging in activities unbefitting of a church.
Bishop could not be reached Tuesday for a comment on this story.
A sign on the front of The Tabernacle stated the events are alcohol and drug free and donations go back to the church. Promoters said it is a church by day and youth ministry by night.
Sheriff Frank McKeithen said it is a “blatant slap in the face” to taxpayers and law enforcement.
“They’re trying to get around the laws, and they’re using the church to get there,” McKeithen said.
Since a Facebook post from BCSO questioned the integrity of the club, highlighting that the club often hosts adult entertainment, Club Amnesia has shut down its website. However, when the website was available, it boasted a Sunday night event called “Slumber,” a pajama and lingerie party hosted by “the sexiest ladies on the beach.” Raves take place weekly along with an “Anything But Clothes” paint party. And Wednesday nights are reserved for an event called “Wet n Wild,” a water-themed event where “white water meets Tabernacle PCB with a little twerkin’,” the website stated.
“I’ve been in a lot of nightclubs and I’ve been in a lot of churches,” said PCBPD Chief Drew Whitman. “That isn’t a church.”
Patrons are charged $20 at the door, which is called a donation. And T-shirts depicting stick figures performing oral sex on one another and the text “I hate being sober” adorn the walls.
Whitman and McKeithen said it is not the nature of the events that has piqued their attention. Several similar events are hosted at clubs just east of Club Amnesia. However, the business does not have alcohol permits or appropriate licenses, is zoned as a church and has been tax-exempt as a church for years, McKeithen said.
Property Appraiser Dan Sowell sided with law enforcement. He said the lot had been tax exempt as a church until word spread about the activities being held within. The property’s tax-exempt status was changed Tuesday morning.
“A bottle club, charging $20 at the door and selling obscene T-shirts is not being used as a church,” Sowell said. “A God-fearing, God-honoring church in January does not sponsor this type of debauchery in March.”
Amnesia’s website reopened Tuesday night with a disclaimer attached.
“The Tabernacle is a drug and alcohol free community for the youth to go for spring break at night to interact with each other in a fun safe environment,” the website now states. “iDrink sponsors this community reach out program with their non-alcoholic bottled water product only. We thank all of our patrons that have attended and will be attending our safe environment.”
The site includes an application sheet to become an “ambassador” of The Tabernacle and “help get the word out about our safe place to go instead of wondering the strip.”
This is not the first time Bishop has faced scrutiny from county tax officials. In 2004, he challenged a property tax assessment on his the 10,000 square-foot, five-bedroom, six-bathroom home he lived in, saying the mansion was a parsonage and should be tax exempt. A string of rulings over years went in favor of Bishop.
Sowell said he also has changed the tax exempt status of that property.
Bishop is currently on probation after pleading to a misdemeanor battery charge that surfaced after a 16-year-old girl said he made unwanted sexual advances toward her.
http://www.newsherald.com/spring-break/pcb-church-loses-tax-exemption-after-opening-club-1.448871?ot=hmg.PrintPageLayout.ot&print=photo
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'Church' hosting raunchy spring break parties loses tax-exempt status
The Life Center: A Spiritual Community in Panama City Beach has been stripped of its tax-exempt status after hosting wild spring break parties as Amnesia: The Tabernacle.
By Ben Hooper Contact the Author | March 12, 2015 at 3:19 PM
Read more: http://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2015/03/12/Church-hosting-raunchy-spring-break-parties-loses-tax-exempt-status/6551426186355/#ixzz3VFL2VxMx
PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla., March 12 (UPI) -- Authorities in Florida said a church has lost its tax-exempt status after it was found to be hosting nude paint events and slumber parties with the "sexiest ladies."
Property Appraiser Dan Sowell said Panama City Beach's Life Center: A Spiritual Community has lost its tax-exempt status after authorities discovered it has been hosting late night spring break parties as "Amnesia: The Tabernacle" since Feb. 28.
The events hosted at the facility included an "anything but clothes" body painting party and a slumber party billed as "a pajama and lingerie party hosted by the sexiest ladies on the beach."
Sheriff Frank McKeithen told the Panama City News-Herald treating the facility as a church is a "blatant slap in the face" to taxpayers and authorities.
"They're trying to get around the laws, and they're using the church to get there," McKeithen said.
Sowell agreed with the sheriff's assessment.
"A bottle club, charging $20 at the door and selling obscene T-shirts is not being used as a church," Sowell said. "A God-fearing, God-honoring church in January does not sponsor this type of debauchery in March."
Read more: http://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2015/03/12/Church-hosting-raunchy-spring-break-parties-loses-tax-exempt-status/6551426186355/#ixzz3VFKoYPpu
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MORE...
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2015/03/12/debauchery-what-went-on-inside-this-church-just-led-to-the-loss-of-its-tax-exempt-status/
MARCH 24, 2015 UPDATE
Tabernacle Church Members Speak Out on the Life Center Church's Spring Break Amnesia
Updated: Mon 11:09 PM, Mar 23, 2015
By: Jamie Hale
The Life Center Church is used as a place of worship by day, and it recently became a hotspot for spring breakers.
PANAMA CITY BEACH-- The Life Center Church is used as a place of worship by day, and it recently became a hotspot for spring breakers.
Its website advertised events with themes like "Paint Parties" and "Anything But Clothes."
Promoters for what was called "Spring Break Amnesia -- The Tabernacle" told NewsChannel 7 it was a youth ministry, but law enforcement says it's a nightclub.
But as of this weekend, it's stopped operating at night.
Because of the police reports, the Bay County Property Appraiser's office removed the church's tax exemption on March 9.
NewsChannel 7 received a statement from the property appraiser's office Monday saying since the activities going on inside the building on Thomas Drive don't match those of a church, they don't meet the tax exempt requirements.
The property appraiser's office also removed tax exemption status from 3703 Preserve Bay Blvd., a home owned by the church's former pastor, Markus Bishop.
Dan Sowell's statement indicated that since Bishop isn't a pastor, the house cannot be a parsonage.
That's not the only issue coming out of the church turned "club," especially when it comes to the name.
"The Tabernacle here on Frankford Avenue has been here for 13 years," Tabernacle Church Senior Pastor Bill Pfeffer said. "We are not affiliated with the Tabernacle on the beach."
The pastor of a church in Panama City says spring breakers seem to confuse his church with the one on the beach.
"We've been getting phone calls about what time toga parties start and happy hour, and I'm like, well happy hour's all day, but we don't do toga parties," Tabernacle Church Associate Pastor Donna Pfeffer said. "But you know, it's just, when you get phone calls like that after you been at this church for 13 years, it's kind of saddening."
The Pfeffers say what's happening on the beach is giving Christian churches a bad name.
"Sadly to say, it gives us all a bad reputation," Bill Pfeffer said. "It hurts us all and hopefully it doesn't cause people to leave the church, to walk away from the church."
"It just breaks my heart that I'm getting phone calls to the Tabernacle here, which is God's place, about that place out on the beach," said Donna Pfeffer. "We are no relationship to Markus Bishop, or the Life Center, the Tabernacle, none whatsoever. The only thing we probably have in common is happy hour, but ours is totally different."
NewsChannel 7 spoke with Chief Whitman Monday and he says neither the Panama City Beach Police Department or Bay County Sheriff's Office shut down the operation.
There is still an on-going investigation into the church.
NewsChannel 7 tried to reach Markus Bishop for comment multiple times Monday, but he did not return our calls.
http://www.wjhg.com/news/headlines/Local-Church-Members-Speak-Out-on-the-Life-Center-Churchs-Spring-Break-Amnesia-297326411.html
DECEMBER 7, 2015 UPDATE
Faith Christian church sues property appraiser
Published 12/07 2015 04:47PM
Updated 12/07 2015 07:48PM
PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla.
Markus Bishop and Faith Christian Family Church are once again suing the Bay County Property Appraiser's Office.
In a recent court filing the church argues that it should not have lost its tax exempt status because it allowed others to use the facility as a gathering place for young people during Spring Break.
Sheriff Frank McKeithen and Panama City Beach Police Chief Drew Whitman were both critical of the church during Spring Break for opening what they deemed a night club. That led to Property Appraiser Dan Sowell revoking the church's tax exempt status.
In a complaint against the property appraiser the church argues that church officials wanted to create a "safe venue" for young people that offered a "party like but wholesome atmosphere" with music food and non-alcoholic beverages.
The complaint states that the church took no money from a contractor and a subcontractor who created Spring Break Amnesia on the church grounds. Pastor Markus Bishop and other church officials found some of the activities at Spring Break amnesia offensive and they warned organizers several times to clean up the situation and they eventually shut it down.
The complaint goes on to argue that even though the activities took place the church should still be exempt from taxes and that the property is still predominantly used as a church.
The document also states that the tax exempt status for Bishop's parsonage was revoked in 2015 and he is asking to have it back. The multi-million dollar home in a gated community is listed for sale but Faith Christian says the pastor has not stopped living there. The suit states that the second reason exemption was denied is that the property appraiser contends that Faith Christian is no longer a church. The suit says Faith Christian has provided religious services for its members and public there at all times.
Copyright 2015 Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
http://www.mypanhandle.com/news/faith-christian-church-sues-property-appraiser
JUNE 15, 2016 UPDATE
PCB Pastor arrested again in Pensacola
Published 06/15 2016 04:04PM
PENSACOLA, Fla.
http://www.mypanhandle.com/news/pcb-pastor-arrested-again-in-Pensacola
A Panama City Beach pastor who has had several run-ins with the law was arrested again earlier this month in Pensacola.
Markus Bishop is charged with possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana. Bishop is a controversial figure in the area, at one time the pastor of one of the largest congregations in Panama City Beach.
But the church he founded, Faith Christian Family Church, ran afoul of Property Appraiser Dan Sowell. The first time was over tax exempt status status of the church's parsonage, a large home in a gated community for Bishop. That was a fight Sowell lost.
The two groups are currently involved in a second court battle, which began in Spring Break 2015 when Sowell and members of law enforcement claimed the church had transformed itself into a moneymaking nighclub for Spring Breakers.
That case is ongoing.
Bishop was also once charged with battery, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and delivery of a controlled substance to a minor by an adult after a September of 2014 incident. Prosecutors dropped those charges in February of 2015.
UPDATE TO THE UPDATE
It's time to expose this Wolf in Sheep's clothing as he is right here, under my nose, in Panama City Beach!
“I am a follower of Jesus. I practice of Buddhism. I am a student of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and I am a student in miracles and more than anything I am passionate about a path of reality that manifests in love and peace." Marcus Bishop
Read and weep...
Church or Club?
03/10/2015
http://www.mypanhandle.com/story/d/story/church-or-club/34633/-vBllcFHmEqjBsauQgiwYQ#.VQBLVuyiofU.facebook
It's to be expected that spring breakers who come to Panama City Beach will party, but it's unexpected that they would do so in a local church.
There are signs asking for a cover charge and an ATM at the property listed as Faith Christian Family Church. And that's some of the evidence that the location may serve a different purpose.
"I myself went in there saturday night at around 11 o'clock at night. There's no chairs in there there's no pews. They had a loud stereo system going, they're running videos on top of the stay. To all purposes it's a nigh club. I've been to a lot of night clubs, it's a night club. I've been to a lot of churches, it's not a church,” said Panama City Beach Chief of Police Drew Whitman.
Because the facility is listed as a church, it’s tax exempt. Property owner Markus Bishop, who has a criminal record, recently told Chief Whitman he still holds church service at the same location as Club Amnesia Wednesdays and Sundays.
"A true church, a God fearing, God honoring church that conducts meaningful worshipful services and activities in January doesn't sponsor this type of debauchery in March, ” said Bay County appraiser Dan Sowell.
After he heard this news, Sowell removed the tax exemption from the location. Even spring breakers found this situation unsettling.
"They were advertising it a lot and apparently they had like explicit like you're not going to remember the fun night and I'm like, not in a church,” said spring breaker Mary-Kate Messer.
“I don't think that partying is something you should take into the church,” said spring breaker Tyler Smith.
The bottom line, authorities smell something fishy and they're investigating.
"There's something wrong with this picture. You know you got monies not accountable going through the door. To me it's a scam. It is a scam. And I nor the chief are going to stand by. And if we can stop, we're going to stop it,” said Bay County Sheriff Frank McKeithen.
News 13 reached out to property owner Markus Bishop for comment, but he didn’t return any of our phone calls.
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Now let's look back...
Former Panama City Beach Pastor Accepts a Plea Deal
02/12/2015 05:35 PM
http://www.mypanhandle.com/story/d/story/former-panama-city-beach-pastor-accepts-a-plea-dea/10066/UoDTkSzZ0EG-3nOgeUdbZA
A former Panama City Beach pastor accepts a plea deal.
The Bay County Clerk of Courts says Markus Bishop, 54, had his charges for delivery of a controlled substance to a child and contributing to the delinquency of a minor dropped.
His charge for felony battery was amended to misdemeanor battery and he pled adjudicated withheld to that charge. As a result he faces 12 months of probation, 100 hours of community service, no contact with the victim and must pay the court over a thousand dollars in fees.
Back in September 2014 the Bay County Sheriff's Office arrested Bishop and he was accused of giving a 16 year-old marijuana and kissed the teen several times.
Marcus Bishop was once pastor of the now closed Faith Christian Family Church on Back Beach Road.
http://i1.wp.com/baycountypress.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/bishop-1.jpg
---end---
Leg's go back a little further...
Preacher Surrenders at the Bay County Jail on Child Abuse Charges
Thu 3:51 PM, Jun 24, 2004
http://www.wjhg.com/news/headlines/848767.html
Forty-four-year-old Marcus Bishop is charged with felony child abuse for slapping his 15-year-old daughter. Both of his daughters live in Alabama with their mother, but were visiting Bishop this week in Panama City Beach.
According to the arrest warrant, Bishop hit his daughter across the face hard enough to knock off her glasses.
Two hours after the incident when the police were called, the teenager still had a hand print on her face and there were visible welts.
Bishop's attorney, Waylon Graham, says the case is just bogus. "She was standing in her daddy's face, screaming and hollering and calling him a dumb “a-hole” and at that point Rev. Bishop smacked her on the cheek and told her to hush, and here we are."
Bishop is the pastor at The Faith Christian Family Church on Back Beach Road at Panama City Beach.
---end---
Now listen to what he believes! Icing on the cake
Mega Church Pastor's Long Spiritual Journey
Sat 9:28 PM, Jun 22, 2013
CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO
http://www.wjhg.com/home/headlines/Mega-Church-Pastors-Long-Spiritual-Journey--212568291.html
Markus Bishop has been in the headlines throughout the years for many reasons but, this time it is for something different.
"For some reason there are rumors and people talking about what I am today,” said Bishop. “I guess right off the bat it would be difficult in a sound bit to explain my spiritual path."
Bishop says he began a journey several years ago to find his truth.
"Because I had certainly complied with and conformed with a lot of things in my beliefs that didn't resonate with me. And I decided after a lot of difficult things occurred in my life, people may call it a crash and burn, they were an awakening. They made me really go and look within."
Bishop lead a mega church in Panama City Beach, but two bitter divorces, a bankruptcy and a court battle to keep from paying taxes on his multimillion dollar parsonage changed his outlook on life.
“It's not about what label you wear or title you carry, it's about what goes on inside you, Bishop said.
“I am a follower of Jesus. I practice of Buddhism. I am a student of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and I am a student in miracles and more than anything I am passionate about a path of reality that manifests in love and peace."
Bishop has a new church, called The Life Center, where he says there are no rules, no religion, just love.
---end---
UPDATE MARCH 23, 2015
PCB church loses tax exemption after opening club
By ZACK McDONALD | News Herald Writer
Published: Wednesday, March 11, 2015 at 10:53 AM.
Club Amnesia
PANAMA CITY BEACH — A local church that has been hosting naked paint parties and slumber-party Sundays with the “sexiest ladies on the beach” will now have to pay taxes on the property as officers investigate the church’s practices, authorities said Tuesday.
The Life Center: A Spiritual Community, 9721 Thomas Drive, has been up and running its seven-days-a-week party schedule as Amesia: The Tabernacle since Feb. 28. But The Tabernacle, which caters to college students on vacation, has caught the attention of more than just party-seeking spring breakers.
Since ATMs and a banner promoting “iDrink” appeared out front of The Life Center, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and Panama City Beach Police Department investigators have began taking a closer look at the church. Owned by Markus Q. Bishop, former pastor of Faith Christian Family Church, officials said the club has been engaging in activities unbefitting of a church.
Bishop could not be reached Tuesday for a comment on this story.
A sign on the front of The Tabernacle stated the events are alcohol and drug free and donations go back to the church. Promoters said it is a church by day and youth ministry by night.
Sheriff Frank McKeithen said it is a “blatant slap in the face” to taxpayers and law enforcement.
“They’re trying to get around the laws, and they’re using the church to get there,” McKeithen said.
Since a Facebook post from BCSO questioned the integrity of the club, highlighting that the club often hosts adult entertainment, Club Amnesia has shut down its website. However, when the website was available, it boasted a Sunday night event called “Slumber,” a pajama and lingerie party hosted by “the sexiest ladies on the beach.” Raves take place weekly along with an “Anything But Clothes” paint party. And Wednesday nights are reserved for an event called “Wet n Wild,” a water-themed event where “white water meets Tabernacle PCB with a little twerkin’,” the website stated.
“I’ve been in a lot of nightclubs and I’ve been in a lot of churches,” said PCBPD Chief Drew Whitman. “That isn’t a church.”
Patrons are charged $20 at the door, which is called a donation. And T-shirts depicting stick figures performing oral sex on one another and the text “I hate being sober” adorn the walls.
Whitman and McKeithen said it is not the nature of the events that has piqued their attention. Several similar events are hosted at clubs just east of Club Amnesia. However, the business does not have alcohol permits or appropriate licenses, is zoned as a church and has been tax-exempt as a church for years, McKeithen said.
Property Appraiser Dan Sowell sided with law enforcement. He said the lot had been tax exempt as a church until word spread about the activities being held within. The property’s tax-exempt status was changed Tuesday morning.
“A bottle club, charging $20 at the door and selling obscene T-shirts is not being used as a church,” Sowell said. “A God-fearing, God-honoring church in January does not sponsor this type of debauchery in March.”
Amnesia’s website reopened Tuesday night with a disclaimer attached.
“The Tabernacle is a drug and alcohol free community for the youth to go for spring break at night to interact with each other in a fun safe environment,” the website now states. “iDrink sponsors this community reach out program with their non-alcoholic bottled water product only. We thank all of our patrons that have attended and will be attending our safe environment.”
The site includes an application sheet to become an “ambassador” of The Tabernacle and “help get the word out about our safe place to go instead of wondering the strip.”
This is not the first time Bishop has faced scrutiny from county tax officials. In 2004, he challenged a property tax assessment on his the 10,000 square-foot, five-bedroom, six-bathroom home he lived in, saying the mansion was a parsonage and should be tax exempt. A string of rulings over years went in favor of Bishop.
Sowell said he also has changed the tax exempt status of that property.
Bishop is currently on probation after pleading to a misdemeanor battery charge that surfaced after a 16-year-old girl said he made unwanted sexual advances toward her.
http://www.newsherald.com/spring-break/pcb-church-loses-tax-exemption-after-opening-club-1.448871?ot=hmg.PrintPageLayout.ot&print=photo
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'Church' hosting raunchy spring break parties loses tax-exempt status
The Life Center: A Spiritual Community in Panama City Beach has been stripped of its tax-exempt status after hosting wild spring break parties as Amnesia: The Tabernacle.
By Ben Hooper Contact the Author | March 12, 2015 at 3:19 PM
Read more: http://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2015/03/12/Church-hosting-raunchy-spring-break-parties-loses-tax-exempt-status/6551426186355/#ixzz3VFL2VxMx
PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla., March 12 (UPI) -- Authorities in Florida said a church has lost its tax-exempt status after it was found to be hosting nude paint events and slumber parties with the "sexiest ladies."
Property Appraiser Dan Sowell said Panama City Beach's Life Center: A Spiritual Community has lost its tax-exempt status after authorities discovered it has been hosting late night spring break parties as "Amnesia: The Tabernacle" since Feb. 28.
The events hosted at the facility included an "anything but clothes" body painting party and a slumber party billed as "a pajama and lingerie party hosted by the sexiest ladies on the beach."
Sheriff Frank McKeithen told the Panama City News-Herald treating the facility as a church is a "blatant slap in the face" to taxpayers and authorities.
"They're trying to get around the laws, and they're using the church to get there," McKeithen said.
Sowell agreed with the sheriff's assessment.
"A bottle club, charging $20 at the door and selling obscene T-shirts is not being used as a church," Sowell said. "A God-fearing, God-honoring church in January does not sponsor this type of debauchery in March."
Read more: http://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2015/03/12/Church-hosting-raunchy-spring-break-parties-loses-tax-exempt-status/6551426186355/#ixzz3VFKoYPpu
---end---
MORE...
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2015/03/12/debauchery-what-went-on-inside-this-church-just-led-to-the-loss-of-its-tax-exempt-status/
MARCH 24, 2015 UPDATE
Tabernacle Church Members Speak Out on the Life Center Church's Spring Break Amnesia
Updated: Mon 11:09 PM, Mar 23, 2015
By: Jamie Hale
The Life Center Church is used as a place of worship by day, and it recently became a hotspot for spring breakers.
PANAMA CITY BEACH-- The Life Center Church is used as a place of worship by day, and it recently became a hotspot for spring breakers.
Its website advertised events with themes like "Paint Parties" and "Anything But Clothes."
Promoters for what was called "Spring Break Amnesia -- The Tabernacle" told NewsChannel 7 it was a youth ministry, but law enforcement says it's a nightclub.
But as of this weekend, it's stopped operating at night.
Because of the police reports, the Bay County Property Appraiser's office removed the church's tax exemption on March 9.
NewsChannel 7 received a statement from the property appraiser's office Monday saying since the activities going on inside the building on Thomas Drive don't match those of a church, they don't meet the tax exempt requirements.
The property appraiser's office also removed tax exemption status from 3703 Preserve Bay Blvd., a home owned by the church's former pastor, Markus Bishop.
Dan Sowell's statement indicated that since Bishop isn't a pastor, the house cannot be a parsonage.
That's not the only issue coming out of the church turned "club," especially when it comes to the name.
"The Tabernacle here on Frankford Avenue has been here for 13 years," Tabernacle Church Senior Pastor Bill Pfeffer said. "We are not affiliated with the Tabernacle on the beach."
The pastor of a church in Panama City says spring breakers seem to confuse his church with the one on the beach.
"We've been getting phone calls about what time toga parties start and happy hour, and I'm like, well happy hour's all day, but we don't do toga parties," Tabernacle Church Associate Pastor Donna Pfeffer said. "But you know, it's just, when you get phone calls like that after you been at this church for 13 years, it's kind of saddening."
The Pfeffers say what's happening on the beach is giving Christian churches a bad name.
"Sadly to say, it gives us all a bad reputation," Bill Pfeffer said. "It hurts us all and hopefully it doesn't cause people to leave the church, to walk away from the church."
"It just breaks my heart that I'm getting phone calls to the Tabernacle here, which is God's place, about that place out on the beach," said Donna Pfeffer. "We are no relationship to Markus Bishop, or the Life Center, the Tabernacle, none whatsoever. The only thing we probably have in common is happy hour, but ours is totally different."
NewsChannel 7 spoke with Chief Whitman Monday and he says neither the Panama City Beach Police Department or Bay County Sheriff's Office shut down the operation.
There is still an on-going investigation into the church.
NewsChannel 7 tried to reach Markus Bishop for comment multiple times Monday, but he did not return our calls.
http://www.wjhg.com/news/headlines/Local-Church-Members-Speak-Out-on-the-Life-Center-Churchs-Spring-Break-Amnesia-297326411.html
DECEMBER 7, 2015 UPDATE
Faith Christian church sues property appraiser
Published 12/07 2015 04:47PM
Updated 12/07 2015 07:48PM
PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla.
Markus Bishop and Faith Christian Family Church are once again suing the Bay County Property Appraiser's Office.
In a recent court filing the church argues that it should not have lost its tax exempt status because it allowed others to use the facility as a gathering place for young people during Spring Break.
Sheriff Frank McKeithen and Panama City Beach Police Chief Drew Whitman were both critical of the church during Spring Break for opening what they deemed a night club. That led to Property Appraiser Dan Sowell revoking the church's tax exempt status.
In a complaint against the property appraiser the church argues that church officials wanted to create a "safe venue" for young people that offered a "party like but wholesome atmosphere" with music food and non-alcoholic beverages.
The complaint states that the church took no money from a contractor and a subcontractor who created Spring Break Amnesia on the church grounds. Pastor Markus Bishop and other church officials found some of the activities at Spring Break amnesia offensive and they warned organizers several times to clean up the situation and they eventually shut it down.
The complaint goes on to argue that even though the activities took place the church should still be exempt from taxes and that the property is still predominantly used as a church.
The document also states that the tax exempt status for Bishop's parsonage was revoked in 2015 and he is asking to have it back. The multi-million dollar home in a gated community is listed for sale but Faith Christian says the pastor has not stopped living there. The suit states that the second reason exemption was denied is that the property appraiser contends that Faith Christian is no longer a church. The suit says Faith Christian has provided religious services for its members and public there at all times.
Copyright 2015 Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
http://www.mypanhandle.com/news/faith-christian-church-sues-property-appraiser
JUNE 15, 2016 UPDATE
PCB Pastor arrested again in Pensacola
Published 06/15 2016 04:04PM
PENSACOLA, Fla.
http://www.mypanhandle.com/news/pcb-pastor-arrested-again-in-Pensacola
A Panama City Beach pastor who has had several run-ins with the law was arrested again earlier this month in Pensacola.
Markus Bishop is charged with possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana. Bishop is a controversial figure in the area, at one time the pastor of one of the largest congregations in Panama City Beach.
But the church he founded, Faith Christian Family Church, ran afoul of Property Appraiser Dan Sowell. The first time was over tax exempt status status of the church's parsonage, a large home in a gated community for Bishop. That was a fight Sowell lost.
The two groups are currently involved in a second court battle, which began in Spring Break 2015 when Sowell and members of law enforcement claimed the church had transformed itself into a moneymaking nighclub for Spring Breakers.
That case is ongoing.
Bishop was also once charged with battery, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and delivery of a controlled substance to a minor by an adult after a September of 2014 incident. Prosecutors dropped those charges in February of 2015.
UPDATE TO THE UPDATE
Over the years my opinions have changed but this will never change: Jesus Christ, Lord, God and Savior, died on the cross and rose from the dead to pay for my sin.
Confessions of an Rx Drug Pusher by Gwen Olsen
Over the years my opinions have changed but this will never change: Jesus Christ, Lord, God and Savior, died on the cross and rose from the dead to pay for my sin.
Were All the Beatles Replaced?
Some think that Paul died or was killed and then replaced in 1966. Would the other Beatles go along with that secret? And if not, were they replaced as well?
Check out Tina Foster's website
http://plasticmacca.blogspot.com/
Original UK LPs
- Please Please Me (1963)
- With the Beatles (1963)
- A Hard Day's Night (1964)
- Beatles for Sale (1964)
- Help! (1965)
- Rubber Soul (1965)
- Revolver (1966)
- Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967)
- The Beatles ("The White Album", 1968)
- Yellow Submarine (1969)
- Abbey Road (1969)
- Let It Be (1970)
PS Some think the Beatles and the Rolling Stones were all replaced 1966-67. Hmmm...
MARCH 11, 2015 UPDATE
The Beatles at the Hollywood in 1964 (go to 5 min)
Listen to Paul's Voice
Over the years my opinions have changed but this will never change: Jesus Christ, Lord, God and Savior, died on the cross and rose from the dead to pay for my sin.
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